The critically-acclaimed "Sekki" collection expands with an icy new season

In 2019, Grand Seiko unveiled the Japan Sekki (or "Seasons") collection with four critically-acclaimed references originally exclusive to the USA, with each representing one of Japan’s twenty-four sekki, or seasonal phases. It would begin a semi-annual tradition of new references exhibiting Grand Seiko's dial mastery, combined with inspiration from the seasons at hand. 

New for 2022, Grand Seiko descends into the frost with a pair of US-exclusive "Sōkō" references whose delicately textured dials hearken the moment when the frost first blankets the visible landscape around Grand Seiko's Shinshu and Shizukuishi production studios. 

With its fine texture, the dial of SBGH295 is inspired by the clear blue skies over the Sea of Japan during the early winter months. Grand Seiko fans might recognize similarities to the “ice blue” Kirazuri dial introduced in the first U.S. Limited Edition collection from 2018. However, because the dial is produced in a different Grand Seiko dial facility, it is subtly different in tone and texture to the 2018 version. Kirazuri, which translates to “sparkling painting,” is indeed a fitting name for a dial that shimmers in the light.

SBGH295 features a reimaged 62GS case design — a modernized update to the original 62GS which cased Grand Seiko’s first automatic timepiece in 1967. With its 40mm, multi-sided case rendered in stainless steel; wide dial opening and dual-curve box shape sapphire crystal; bezel-free construction; and signature Zaratsu polishing technique, the contemporary interpretation of the 62GS case is a striking example of both design and technique.